Friends to Follow

SEB Middle School principal leaving

In spite of an outpouring of support and protests from Southeast Bulloch Middle School parents, Bulloch County Board of Education members did not renew a contract for the school's principal Alan Putz last week. Technically, the board accepted his letter of resignation and Bulloch County School Superintendent Dr. Jessie Strickland would not comment on if Putz was asked to resign. Putz was hired last June to replace former principal Ed Davis, who retired. Putz said Wednesday he had "no comment at this time," but added he may discuss the circumstances surrounding his resignation later. He did say that he was asked to resign his position. While the board meeting room was filled to capacity during last Thursday's meeting, with some sitting on the floor and several standing along the walls, only two people spoke regarding Putz during the public comments forum. Tony Cassidy, Southeast Bulloch Middle School Parent/Teacher Organization president, said "Alan Putz has been dedicated. He initiated starting a PTO ... and our personal interactions with Mr. Putz have been positive." Putz has been supportive and encouraged parents and teachers to interact, he said. "Through his efforts, communication is improving with parents and teachers. We ask that renewal of his contract be reconsidered." Susan Pertalion,whose son attends Southeast Bulloch Middle, expressed concern over alleged reasons Putz's contract was not renewed. She asked why he was asked to resign. "He has a sincere concern for students' education," she said. She also asked whether Putz's resignation was connected in any way to that of former Southeast Bulloch Middle principal Ed Davis, whom Putz replaced. "We have followed every guideline" regarding Davis' and Putz's resignations, Strickland said during the meeting, not commenting on whether Putz was asked to resign. Wednesday, when asked again to comment on why Putz's contract was not renewed, Strickland said: "Mr. Putz was given a one-year contract, and knew this when he was hired. We are very sensitive to his right to privacy in a personnel matter in which he is involved, and respect his right to privacy, and for that (reason), choose not to comment on it."

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